As limiting the spread of the Coronavirus has become paramount in our lives, millions of UK residents have started working from home. But how successful has it been in terms of productivity?
According to government statistics, only 30% of the workforce had previously experienced working from home before the pandemic forced so many of us to shut our doors.
The temptation to watch TV, children to look after, no colleagues nearby to check you’re keeping busy – the pitfalls are numerous when it comes to staying productive in our own homes.
So how are we coping?
The numbers
A survey of 500 Brits by instantprint found that more than a third had found that their working efforts had plummeted during lockdown, with 36.9% reporting they were working fewer hours per day than they would normally in the workplace.
A handful of respondents even admitted to getting away with not working at all!
Most people suggested that their working hours have been largely unaffected, but 18.6% claimed their working hours had gone up – potentially as a result of the many distractions taking up time elsewhere and potentially leading to stress further down the line.
What’s diverting our attention?
The online printing company that specialises in products such as leaflets and flyers unsurprisingly, uncovered that the biggest distraction in the home is, the television. As we have flocked to services like Netflix in our millions during lockdown, the urge to watch just another episode before getting back into work mode has proved too strong for many people – over a third of all respondents, no less.
Household chores (24.4%) and walking the dog (21.6%) are other time sinks people are struggling to avoid falling into.
Second only to the TV, however, is people taking naps. That’s 24.8% of people counting sheep on company time!
On the other side of the coin, but equally as unproductive for employers, around a quarter of respondents confessed they skipped work to take some form of exercise.
Tips for How to be more productive at home
The switch to home-working has naturally come as a shock for many, so we’ve put together some tips on how to keep your mental state sharp and boost your productivity.
Set clear targets and goals
Some people might be learning new languages, upcycling their entire wardrobe – and if that’s you, you’re doing really well. If time is getting away from you each day, however, write down a clear agenda and stick it somewhere prominent.
Eradicate distractions
If the urge to binge view the rest of that series on Netflix is too strong, remove your TV from your working space if you can. If it is the household chores occupying your time and distracting you from work, consider hiring a service like Modern Maids to do the cleaning for you. Although it is important to ensure you are taking work breaks, set an alarm when it is time to return to your desk if you are in danger of getting distracted.
Make time for people
Are you fit and healthy? You could make a big difference to someone else’s life. In your local area, vulnerable, lonely and elderly people might need assistance with shopping, or just someone to talk to. Maybe stick your details on a flyer and do some door-to-door enquiring as to how you can help.
Get some fresh air
If work keeps you in the house for the most part of each day, getting outside could be a big boost to your mental wellbeing – it’s something many of us may have taken for granted when out and about getting to and from work each day.
Look after yourself
Were you a healthy eater before lockdown and now that’s all gone out the window? Don’t let the tough times impact your physical health. You don’t have to run marathons every day, but sticking to healthy food and getting the blood pumping a little each day will benefit you enormously.
Photo Credit https://writix.co.uk/
